Russia says EU''s new rules are wrong and will answer back

A2

Russia says EU''s new rules are wrong and will answer back

Introduction

The European Union made new rules against Russia. Russia says these rules are not legal. Russia will do something back.

Main Body

The European Union made its 20th set of rules against Russia. These rules stop Russia from selling energy, money, and goods. They also stop Russia from buying some things. Some countries in the EU did not want these rules. Hungary said no at first. Then Hungary changed its leader. Slovakia and Hungary agreed to the rules. Russia''s office in the EU said the rules are not legal. It said only the United Nations can make such rules. Russia said the new rules hurt poor countries. Poor countries cannot buy energy because prices are high. Russia also said the rules hurt food because they stop fertilizer. Russia said it will take strong action. It said its economy is strong. It said the EU will have problems because of its own rules.

Conclusion

The EU made new rules. Russia is not happy. Both sides say the other is wrong.

Vocabulary Learning

buy
get something by paying money
Example:Poor countries cannot buy energy.
hurt
cause pain or problems傷害
Example:The rules hurt poor countries.
rules
things you must or must not do規則
Example:The EU made new rules.
sell
give something to someone for money
Example:Russia cannot sell energy.
wrong
not correct or not good錯誤的
Example:Russia says the rules are wrong.

Sentence Learning

The European Union made new rules against Russia.
This sentence has a subject 'The European Union', a verb 'made', and an object 'new rules'. The phrase 'against Russia' tells who the rules are for.本句的主詞是「The European Union」,動詞是「made」,受詞是「new rules」。介詞短語「against Russia」說明規則針對的對象。
Russia says these rules are not legal.
This sentence has subject 'Russia', verb 'says', and a clause 'these rules are not legal' as the object. The clause has subject 'these rules', verb 'are', and complement 'not legal'.本句的主詞是「Russia」,動詞是「says」,受詞是一個子句「these rules are not legal」。該子句的主詞是「these rules」,動詞是「are」,補語是「not legal」。
Hungary said no at first.
This sentence has subject 'Hungary', verb 'said', object 'no', and an adverbial phrase 'at first' telling when.本句的主詞是「Hungary」,動詞是「said」,受詞是「no」,副詞短語「at first」表示時間。
Russia said the new rules hurt poor countries.
This sentence has subject 'Russia', verb 'said', and an object clause 'the new rules hurt poor countries'. The clause has subject 'the new rules', verb 'hurt', object 'poor countries'.本句的主詞是「Russia」,動詞是「said」,受詞是一個子句「the new rules hurt poor countries」。該子句的主詞是「the new rules」,動詞是「hurt」,受詞是「poor countries」。
Russia said it will take strong action.
This sentence has subject 'Russia', verb 'said', and an object clause 'it will take strong action'. The clause has subject 'it', verb 'will take', object 'strong action'.本句的主詞是「Russia」,動詞是「said」,受詞是一個子句「it will take strong action」。該子句的主詞是「it」,動詞是「will take」,受詞是「strong action」。
B2

Russia Condemns EU’s 20th Sanctions Package and Pledges Retaliatory Measures

Introduction

The European Union adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia on Thursday, leading to a formal condemnation from Moscow and a promise of retaliatory action. Russian officials claim that the measures are illegitimate under international law and will harm both developing countries and the EU itself.

Main Body

The European Commission announced the adoption of the 20th sanctions package on Thursday, targeting Russia’s energy, finance, trade, and defense sectors. It also introduced new mechanisms to prevent the circumvention of sanctions. The package had been delayed by internal disagreements within the EU, notably opposition from Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. After a change in leadership in Budapest and the resumption of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections, allowing the sanctions to be finalized. Russia’s Permanent Mission to the EU issued a statement criticizing the bloc’s actions as a “complete disregard” for international law and the UN Charter. The mission asserted that only sanctions approved by the UN Security Council are legitimate. It characterized all other measures as “unilateral coercive measures” that constitute unfair and aggressive actions. It specifically denounced the new “anti-sanctions evasion instrument,” which gives Brussels the authority to unilaterally restrict exports of certain goods and technologies to third countries considered at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia. The mission described this as economic pressure and an extraterritorial application of EU rules against sovereign states. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova elaborated on the consequences of the sanctions during her weekly press conference on Friday. She stated that the restrictions on hydrocarbons, imposed during a global energy crisis and resource shortages, would hurt developing countries that can no longer afford energy at inflated prices. She also warned that the sanctions threaten food security because they include additional restrictions on fertilizers. Zakharova emphasized that Russia would take “tough” retaliatory measures designed in accordance with its national interests. The Russian mission further noted that the country’s economy remains resilient, while cautioning that the EU should be concerned about its own economic outlook and energy security. It added that the negative effects will return to those who started the sanctions.

Conclusion

The EU has finalized its 20th sanctions package after resolving internal disagreements, while Russia has condemned the measures as illegitimate and promised a firm response. The situation remains characterized by both sides blaming each other, with each asserting that the other’s actions will have negative consequences for global stability and their own interests.

Vocabulary Learning

circumvention
The act of finding a way to avoid a rule, law, or restriction.規避
Example:The EU introduced new mechanisms to prevent the circumvention of sanctions.
condemn
To express strong disapproval of something, usually in a formal or official way.譴責
Example:Russia condemned the EU's sanctions package as illegitimate.
resilient
Able to recover quickly from difficult conditions; strong and flexible.有韌性的
Example:The Russian mission noted that the economy remains resilient despite sanctions.
retaliatory
Intended to harm someone because they have harmed you; done in retaliation.報復性的
Example:Russia promised retaliatory measures against the EU sanctions.
unilateral
Done or undertaken by one person or party without the agreement of others.單方面的
Example:Russia characterized the sanctions as unilateral coercive measures.

Sentence Learning

The European Union adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia on Thursday, leading to a formal condemnation from Moscow and a promise of retaliatory action.
Present participle phrase 'leading to' shows a result or consequence, linking the action to its outcome.現在分詞短語「leading to」表示結果或後果,將行動與其結果聯繫起來。
The package had been delayed by internal disagreements within the EU, notably opposition from Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
Passive voice 'had been delayed' emphasizes the action rather than the doer; 'notably' introduces a specific example.被動語態「had been delayed」強調動作而非執行者;「notably」引出一個具體例子。
After a change in leadership in Budapest and the resumption of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections, allowing the sanctions to be finalized.
'After' introduces a time clause showing sequence; 'allowing' is a participle phrase indicating the result of the withdrawal.「After」引入時間從句表示先後順序;「allowing」是分詞短語,表示撤回的結果。
It specifically denounced the new 'anti-sanctions evasion instrument,' which gives Brussels the authority to unilaterally restrict exports of certain goods and technologies to third countries considered at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia.
Relative clause 'which gives' provides additional information about the instrument; passive 'considered' shortens the description.關係從句「which gives」提供關於該工具的其他信息;被動語態「considered」簡化了描述。
She stated that the restrictions on hydrocarbons, imposed during a global energy crisis and resource shortages, would hurt developing countries that can no longer afford energy at inflated prices.
Passive 'imposed' modifies 'restrictions'; relative clause 'that can no longer afford' specifies which developing countries.被動語態「imposed」修飾「restrictions」;關係從句「that can no longer afford」具體說明哪些發展中國家。
C2

Russia Condemns EU’s 20th Sanctions Package and Pledges Retaliatory Measures

Introduction

The European Union adopted its 20th sanctions package against Russia on Thursday, prompting a formal condemnation from Moscow and a promise of retaliatory action. Russian officials argue that the measures are illegitimate under international law and will harm both developing countries and the EU itself.

Main Body

The European Commission announced the adoption of the 20th sanctions package on Thursday, targeting Russia’s energy, finance, trade, defense sectors, and introducing new anti-circumvention mechanisms. The package had been delayed by internal disagreements within the EU, notably opposition from Hungary’s outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Following a change in leadership in Budapest and the resumption of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections, allowing the sanctions to be finalized. Russia’s Permanent Mission to the EU issued a statement criticizing the bloc’s actions as a “complete disregard” for international law and the UN Charter. The mission asserted that only sanctions approved by the UN Security Council are legitimate, characterizing all other measures as “unilateral coercive measures” that constitute “arbitrariness and aggression.” It specifically denounced the new “anti-sanctions evasion instrument,” which grants Brussels the authority to unilaterally restrict exports of certain goods and technologies to third countries deemed at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia. The mission described this as economic pressure and an extraterritorial application of EU rules against sovereign states. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova elaborated on the consequences of the sanctions during her weekly press conference on Friday. She stated that the restrictions on hydrocarbons, imposed amid a global energy crisis and resource shortages, would hurt developing countries that can no longer afford energy at inflated prices. She also warned that the sanctions threaten food security because they include additional restrictions on fertilizers. Zakharova emphasized that Russia would take “tough” retaliatory measures designed in accordance with its national interests. The Russian mission further noted that the country’s economy remains resilient, while cautioning that the EU should be concerned about its own economic outlook and energy security, adding that “the boomerang will return to those who so thoughtlessly launched it.” The sources present a clear divergence of perspectives: the EU frames the sanctions as a response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, while Russia views them as illegal unilateral actions that destabilize global markets. No independent verification of the claims regarding the sanctions’ impact on developing countries or energy markets is provided in the source material.

Conclusion

The EU has finalized its 20th sanctions package after resolving internal disagreements, while Russia has condemned the measures as illegitimate and promised a firm response. The situation remains characterized by mutual recrimination, with both sides asserting that the other’s actions will have negative consequences for global stability and their own interests.

Vocabulary Learning

arbitrariness
the quality of being based on random choice or personal whim, rather than any reason or system任意性; 專斷
Example:The mission characterized the measures as 'arbitrariness and aggression'.
coercive
using force or threats to compel someone to act強制性的
Example:The mission characterized all other measures as 'unilateral coercive measures' that constitute arbitrariness and aggression.
extraterritorial
relating to the application of a country's laws beyond its borders域外適用的
Example:The mission described this as economic pressure and an extraterritorial application of EU rules against sovereign states.
recrimination
an accusation in response to an accusation from someone else互相指責
Example:The situation remains characterized by mutual recrimination, with both sides asserting the other's actions will have negative consequences.
retaliatory
intended to repay an injury or wrong; relating to retaliation報復性的
Example:Russia condemned the EU's sanctions and pledged retaliatory measures.

Sentence Learning

The European Commission announced the adoption of the 20th sanctions package on Thursday, targeting Russia’s energy, finance, trade, defense sectors, and introducing new anti-circumvention mechanisms.
Main clause: 'The European Commission announced the adoption...' followed by two participial phrases ('targeting...' and 'introducing...') acting as reduced relative clauses modifying 'the 20th sanctions package'. High lexical density with multiple noun phrases.主要子句:'The European Commission announced the adoption...' 後接兩個分詞短語('targeting...' 和 'introducing...'),作為簡化關係從句修飾 'the 20th sanctions package'。詞彙密度高,含多個名詞短語。
Following a change in leadership in Budapest and the resumption of oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections, allowing the sanctions to be finalized.
Fronted adverbial clause: 'Following a change...' (present participle phrase) sets temporal context. Main clause: 'Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections'. Resultative participial phrase: 'allowing the sanctions to be finalized' indicates outcome. Complex sentence with subordinate structures.前置狀語從句:'Following a change...'(現在分詞短語)設定時間背景。主要子句:'Slovakia and Hungary withdrew their objections'。結果分詞短語:'allowing the sanctions to be finalized' 表示結果。複雜句含從屬結構。
The mission asserted that only sanctions approved by the UN Security Council are legitimate, characterizing all other measures as “unilateral coercive measures” that constitute “arbitrariness and aggression.”
Main clause: 'The mission asserted...' with a that-clause object. Within that clause: 'only sanctions approved by the UN Security Council are legitimate' contains a reduced relative clause ('approved by...'). Then a participial phrase 'characterizing all other measures...' modifies the subject of the assertion. The phrase includes a relative clause 'that constitute...'.主要子句:'The mission asserted...' 帶 that-從句作賓語。該從句內:'only sanctions approved by the UN Security Council are legitimate' 含簡化關係從句('approved by...')。隨後分詞短語 'characterizing all other measures...' 修飾斷言的主語。該短語包含關係從句 'that constitute...'。
It specifically denounced the new “anti-sanctions evasion instrument,” which grants Brussels the authority to unilaterally restrict exports of certain goods and technologies to third countries deemed at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia.
Main clause: 'It specifically denounced the new “anti-sanctions evasion instrument”'. Non-restrictive relative clause: 'which grants Brussels the authority...' provides additional information. Within that relative clause, a past participle phrase 'deemed at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia' modifies 'third countries'. Complex embedding.主要子句:'It specifically denounced the new “anti-sanctions evasion instrument”'。非限制性關係從句:'which grants Brussels the authority...' 提供補充信息。該關係從句內,過去分詞短語 'deemed at risk of circumventing sanctions on Russia' 修飾 'third countries'。複雜嵌套結構。
The Russian mission further noted that the country’s economy remains resilient, while cautioning that the EU should be concerned about its own economic outlook and energy security, adding that “the boomerang will return to those who so thoughtlessly launched it.”
Main clause: 'The Russian mission further noted...' with a that-clause object. Then a participial phrase 'while cautioning that...' (present participle) introduces a subordinate clause. Another participial phrase 'adding that...' further extends the sentence. The final that-clause contains a relative clause 'who so thoughtlessly launched it'. Multiple levels of subordination.主要子句:'The Russian mission further noted...' 帶 that-從句作賓語。隨後分詞短語 'while cautioning that...'(現在分詞)引入從屬從句。另一分詞短語 'adding that...' 進一步擴展句子。最後的 that-從句包含關係從句 'who so thoughtlessly launched it'。多層次從屬結構。